MAYOR Lemuel Reyes is optimistic that businesses will thrive and more investors will begin to seriously consider Island Garden City of Samal now that Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) has taken control of its power needs.
In an interview at Club Samal on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 25, the mayor stated that the entry of the new utility provider is expected to boost investor confidence and significantly lower operational costs for the island’s tourism sector.
“More investors will come in. To my constituents inSamal Island, start buying several appliances because they will no longer be damaged,” he said.
According to Reyes, the transition follows a court ruling against the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco).
“Nordeco filed a petition, but it was denied by the Regional Trial Court. Today, we accompanied the sheriff to position Davao Light to take over the existing power lines,” Reyes said.
He clarified that, based on briefings from Davao Light’s legal team, the company will now operate all existing power assets previously held by Nordeco, including power lines and electric posts, with the exception of the Mindoro Bay Company (MBC) assets.
“Per our discussion with Davao Light’s lawyers, they have a contract in place. While we wait for the submarine cable in April, they will utilize the Mindoro grid in the meantime,” Reyes explained.
The shift is expected to provide immediate relief to the island’s high-end resorts and local residents who have long struggled with unstable power and high rates.
“All resorts and residents will be happy. For instance, Discovery Samal has been relying on generator sets. Now, their rates may even decrease because electricity costs will finally drop,” the Mayor noted.
Immediate effect on consumers
Effective Wednesday, Feb. 25, Reyes announced that Davao Light is in full control of the island’s electricity. He advised residents that billing will now shift to the new provider after they settle their current obligations to Nordeco.
The mayor held a meeting with barangay leaders on Tuesday night to inform them of the court sheriff’s deployment and the official positioning of Davao Light assets across the island.
The writ of possession for the power distribution system in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, was implemented on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. The writ was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 4 in Panabo City.
Under the order, Davao Light has been given the authority to take control and manage the island’s power distribution system, including electric poles, power lines, and other assets.
Based on Republic Act 12144, the franchise of Davao Light has been expanded to cover areas in Davao del Norte (including Samal) and Davao de Oro.
